Dear Students and Monmouth Colleagues:
Again this year, we have had a busy summer. Yes, construction activity has been furious, but we also set a record in the number of hours students took in summer academic sessions; great decisions in time and workload management as you progress towards graduation.
We have refurbished classrooms on the ground floor at the north end of Edison Hall and are relocating our information technology infrastructure to the second floor of that new addition in the early fall. We have buried a number of power and information cables; looks better and provides for more reliability. Roads and walls damaged in snow removal have been redone. You will notice that the 800 Building is gone. A new, modern, but classic-looking, art gallery and instruction building will be erected in its place over the academic year. We are fortunate that exceptional friends have anonymously donated to enable this new art center. Lights for soccer are in — a gift from the generosity of Mr. Jules Plangere Jr. Laurel Hall has been refurbished. A better flowing, safer and more attractive main parking lot awaits you. We have discussed future plans including upgrading labs in Edison Hall, additional parking near the Library and one more residence hall.
You have shown your interest in environmental responsibility. To that end, we are more than doubling the size of our solar panel installation.
I hope you will all come out to support our fall sports teams. They inspire spirit and pride. You see some great games against top opponents on the Great Lawn and in the Kessler field areas. You will have a great time seeing your classmates win.
Finally, take care of yourselves, and take care of each other. Welcome to the new Class of 2015 and to all, welcome back.
Paul G. Gaffney II
President
